Finance Officer (Part-Time)
Location: Hybrid / Flexible (Kent preferred but not essential)
Hours: 1-3 days per week initially (flexible)
Salary: £35k-£38 pro rata (based on FTE 48 hour week, so 9.6 hour days) which equates to £134-£146 per day
Are you an experienced and innovative finance professional ready to move into a stand-alone, part time role with flexibility, autonomy and the opportunity to help shape the next phase of growth for a business with ambitious plans, a hard-working team and a genuine commitment to doing things differently?
About Us
Sustainable Garden Solutions is an award-winning landscaping, garden maintenance and design business operating across domestic, commercial and educational sectors. Alongside our core landscaping business, we are also developing innovative technology platforms designed to support the future of the gardening industry.
Following a period of sustained growth, with a current team of 35 people (and growing!), this is a new opportunity for the right person to help us strengthen and build the financial and technological foundations needed for the next phase of growth.
The Role
This is definitely not a traditional bookkeeping role!
We are looking for someone who enjoys creating order from complexity, and who has the drive to use their experience, technical and digital expertise to support our leadership team to make better decisions by improving financial visibility, reporting accuracy and business processes across the company.
The Hours and Location
This is a brand new, stand-alone role introduced to directly support the Leadership Team. We're looking for someone who wants to work between 1 and 3 days per week on a hybrid basis, with some or all of the time spent in person at our office in Cuxton (Rochester) as well as the option for some remote working. Ideally, Mondays will be office based and any other days can be worked flexibly, so long as they cover month end and payroll deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
* Ownership and maintenance of Xero
* Bank reconciliations and bookkeeping oversight
* VAT and CIS preparation
* Payroll processing and review
* Cash flow forecasting
* Monthly management reporting
* Departmental reporting and profitability analysis
* Driving the implementation of AI and automation tools to improve efficiency of our systems, processes and financial controls
* Supporting the development of financial dashboards and scorecards
* Working in close collaboration with our Director of Finance, and external accountants, as required
What Success Looks Like
Within 12 months
* Accurate and reliable financial reporting, forecasting and planning
* Improved cash flow visibility
* Clear departmental performance reporting
* Reduced reliance on founders for financial administration
* Improved systems, automation and operational efficiency
About You
Whilst we have the greatest respect for formal qualifications – great capability, proven experience , results and innovation are more important to us.
Ideally you will
* Be highly organised and detail orientated
* Have strong Xero experience or similar accounting software (eg Sage, Quickbooks)
* Have a high level of skill around Excel and reporting tools
* Understand and have proven experience of using AI tools to streamline and improve finance processes
* Be commercially minded, not just compliance focused
* Be comfortable working independently
What’s in it for you
Our head office won't win any awards for luxury. We're based on a riverside operational site on the Medway, with practical facilities that reflect our focus on investing in the business rather than corporate frills. What we do offer is a considerable degree of autonomy, a friendly and supportive team and the opportunity to make a genuine impact in a growing company where decisions can be implemented quickly and your contribution is visible.
Our culture is all about innovating, creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and personal/career development for everyone, whatever their role. You’ll also be part of a company that’s passionate about sustainability and takes real, positive steps to improve the world around us – and that’s something to be really proud of!
Not sure if you’ve got all this?
If you don’t fully meet all the requirements, or the working arrangements don’t completely suit your needs, please don’t be put off applying. Get in touch on the email address below if you want to discuss anything further or want more information.
How to apply
Send us your CV with a short covering message setting out why you’re interested in working with us, and what skills and experience you can bring to this role. You can apply directly via the job portal, or by emailing your application to: [email protected].
If this role isn’t quite what you're looking for, we’d appreciate you sharing this opportunity with your network. Together, we can grow and make a difference in our communities.
Explore more about us at www.sustainablegardensolutions.co.uk and follow our journey on Instagram @savethebees_uk.
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Experience:
- Financial accounting: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
